At the helm, Jane Golden celebrates the cultural impact Mural Arts Philadelphia has on the city, one brush stroke at a time.
Mural Arts Philadelphia (muralarts.org) breathes life into our city, revitalizes our streets and encourages our talented artists to express aspirational images. “I think art is like oxygen. Everybody should have it,” says Jane Golden, executive director and founder. The nonprofit trains and employs over 250 artists, opening the door to experience in creating public artworks, internships and apprenticeships. The city has thousands of outdoor pieces, including murals and mosaics, frescos and sculptural works. With over 18,000 people annually going on Mural Arts tours, “It’s like a journey of discovery,” says Golden.
What makes mural art different than all other forms of art?
They have a special, almost personal impact, an inherent magic. Perhaps it’s their color or size or the way they surprise us as we turn the corner of a city street. They work on a symbolic level, providing ways to express our important concerns, values and aspirations. In a way, they are our dreams manifest.
What’s new on the horizon for Mural Arts in 2024?
2024 is going to be a fantastic year for us. We’re working with Kensington-based Roberto Lugo, who’ll be creating large-scale 10-foot-tall ceramic vessels that will be in local parks that have fallen on hard times. The artwork is made up of the faces of people who live in that area. And we’re working with South Philadelphia visual artist Michelle Angela Ortiz, who’ll showcase at the S. 9th St. Italian Market. She’s creating a vendor stand and light boxes about people’s journeys from different parts of the world and how they came to Philadelphia.
Where are some of the best unknown areas and streets to view mural art?
I think the best way to see the work is to go on one of our six different walking tours. I would recommend the Germantown or West Philadelphia ones because you’re going to see things that you have never seen before. It’s all about empowerment, beauty and inspiring statements.
What are the most compelling reasons to support an organization like Mural Arts?
Because you believe that everyone should have access to public art. I love galleries and museums. I’m an artist; my mom was an artist. But I do not believe art belongs exclusively behind those walls. Also, because art can be useful. And I think every issue that’s on the desk of the mayor, city council and commissioners is an issue mural art should be thinking about.
What do you love most about the art scene in Philadelphia?
It’s very diverse. There are wonderful small organizations and large institutions (like the Barnes and PMA), the opera and the orchestra. It means that everyone’s voice is heard and that the arts are in every neighborhood of the city. Our cultural sector is just unmatched. I love that we have internationally known museums and music venues, writing workshops and incredible public art. It’s like a feast of riches.
Photography by: STEVE WEINIK
